Association News

AAMA Fall Conference discusses ENERY STAR criteria.

Press Release Summary:

Dec 02, 2013 -
During AAMA Fall Conference, Doug Anderson, manager of EPA's ENERGY STARÂ® program, provided insight into rationale EPA used in developing Version 6.0 of the ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors and Skylights program. In response to stakeholder comments on Draft 2, EPA made adjustments in final draft, including extending implementation date to Jan 2015; adjusting window criteria for North-Central and South-Central Zones to 0.30; and adjusting skylight criteria in North and North-Central Zones to 0.48.

Original Press Release

ENERGY STAR Criteria Developments Discussed at AAMA Fall Conference

Doug Anderson Schaumburg, Ill. -- Doug Anderson, manager of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® program, provided insight into the rationale the EPA used in developing Version 6.0 of the ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors and Skylights program during the AAMA Fall Conference, held Oct. 27-30, in Baltimore.

The EPA launched the Version 6.0 criteria revision process for windows, doors and skylights in June 2010, which preceded a series of foundational documents and draft specifications, with the final draft released in July 2013. Each document and draft specification was accompanied by a stakeholder comment period, EPA responses to comments and any adjustments to the proposed criteria.

In response to stakeholder comments on Draft 2, Anderson says that the EPA has made several important adjustments in the final draft, including:

Implementation date - Extended to January 2015, which will help improve product availability and reduce transition costs

Window criteria for North-Central and South-Central Zones - Adjusted to 0.30, which offers options that have shorter paybacks for consumers

Skylight criteria in North and North-Central Zones - Adjusted to 0.48, which provides improved product availability and consumer payback for double-pane, curb-mount skylights

“The final draft will differentiate better performing products that are cost-effective and allow consumers to choose between a variety of manufacturers and operator types and styles,” says Anderson.

Currently, the EPA is reviewing comments of the final draft specification that was issued in July and is compiling responses. The EPA plans to publish comment responses and issue the final draft of the Version 6.0 ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors and Skylights specification in the fourth quarter of 2013, with implementation following in January 2015.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page or on the AAMA website.

AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.sm